RICHARDSON RESIGNS AS OZ FITNESS AAA HOCKEY CLUB HEAD COACH

Billings, MT. – Director of Hockey Operations Al Bloomer announced today that Michael Richardson has resigned from his position as head coach.

“We appreciate Coach Richardson’s service,” Bloomer said, “and we wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

A national search for a new head coach has already begun.

“We are committed to hiring the best coach we can find who will implement a development program for our players so they can achieve their long-term career goals,” Bloomer said.

Richardson finished his second season with Team OZ, being the first and only coach for the program. Under his guidance he moved players into higher levels of hockey, including Midget Major AAA, Junior Hockey and College Hockey.

Richardson is leaving Team OZ to start a new position with the Atlanta Fire Tier 1 Midget Major hockey team. Richardson will serve as the Head Coach and Assistant Director of Hockey Operations for the program.

“It was a very tough decision for me to step back from my position as head coach of Team OZ,” Richardson said. “I have loved living in the community and enjoyed every day that I got to spend with these players. At this time I think it is best for me to move on to other hockey ventures.”

  “I am very proud of what we have accomplished as a staff, and an organization. I am grateful that I was given the chance to be the first head coach of this team,” Richardson said. “Billings will always have a special place in my heart.”

Richardson was hired on May 1^st 2010.